Means for imposing a predetermined force between adjacent members



2 Sheets-Sheet 1 ..D .NR E wv MWA ADH N oww. mw. N M\ om NWS \Nm www NW/wW/QWV w QA W lwmm S NN A m um# M D mw m. Em m N l vm HQ wm m vm. .WNYwv W m E. BROWN ETAL MEANS FOR IMPOSING A PREDETERMINED FORCE BETWEENADJACENT MEMBERS Filed oct. 1s, 1958 OCt- 30, 1962 E, BROWN Erm.3,060,612

MEANS EoR IMPosING A PREDETERMINED FORCE BETWEEN ADJACENT MEMBERS FiledOct. 13, 1958 v 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 /f/y 6 ."a 108 f@ 5 /y- INVENTOEEDWARDS BROWN.:

WILLIAM S. WOODWARD und . FR nERlcK D. ADE

BY Q A k nent 3,060,612 MEANS FOR IMPGSFNG A PREDETERMINED FORCE BETWEENADJACENT MEMBERS Edwards Brown, 3433 N. 47 th Way, and Wiiliam S.Woodward, 6742 N. 48th St., both of Phoenix, Ariz., and

Frederick D. Wade, 7014 E. Cypress, Scottsdale, Ariz.

Filed Oct. 13, 1958, Ser. No. 767,033 11 Claims. (Cl. 42-75) Thisinvention relates to a means and method `for imposing a predeterminedforce between adjacent members and more particularly to a means andmethod for imposing a predetermined stress between the forearm andbarrel of a rifle.

It is well known that the engaged or stressed relationship of a riflebarrel and forearm greatly affects accuracy of the rifle or its abilityto deliver a plurality of projectiles into a small group.

Bolt action and other rifles are normally provided with a barrel whichis supported in a cantilever fashion from the action of the rifle andthe forearm of a stock of such bolt action riiles is usually alsocantilevered forward of the rifle action. It is well known that riflestock forearms are subject to warpage due to changes in the Weather ordue to seasoning which occurs after the stock is nished and becomes apart of the rifle. Changes which Voccur in a rifle stock effect changesin accuracy and also change the point of impact at which bullets strikea target with a given sight setting and holding of the riiie. Y

Many stock makers and gunbuilders have continually faced the problems offitting a stock forearm properly to a given rifle in order to obtainaccuracy with various loads which may include several different bulletweights and sizes together with varying powder charges and resultantpressure intensities within the rifle barrel.

Normally a rie stock which engages the barrel some distance from itscantilever support may shoot well with one load and may not shootaccurately with other loads. lt is oftentimes notable that a rifle willnot shoot maximum loads properly nor will it accurately handle certaindesired loads which a rieman wishes t shoot. Such desirable loads mayproduce conditions of vibration and barrel action in relation to thestock which are not compatible with accurate grouping.

It is known that the bearing of the stock forearm on the barrel has aparticular effect on barrel vibration and possibly the damping ofcertain barrel movements which are imposed by the passage of a bulletthrough the barrel and the effects of gas pressures propelling thebullet.

It has been established that varying stresses imposed between the riilestock forearm and the barrel may be purposely imposed in order to adjustthe stressed relationship of the stock and the barrel to be compatiblewith various loads shot in the rifle. Difculty has been encountered inpredetermining such stressed relationships between the stock forearm andthe barrel and later adjust-l ing precisely to such stressedrelationships so that the rifle may be rendered compatible with a givendesired load. .This ditliculty is encountered because of changes whichmay occur in the stressed relationship between the stock and the barrelas hereinbefore discussed. These changes being the result of weatherconditions which may cause warpage or further seasoning of the riflestock. For example, the forearm of the rifle stock may warp laterally orvertically or may warp in both directions. Such changes in the forearmhave always created a serious problem in the adjustment of forearmstresses which are normally known as forearm tension since it isnecessary to maintain precise forearm tension for a given rifle load.The engaged or stressed relation of the stock with the barrel requireslalmost universal adjustment and means BblZ Patented Oct. 30, 1962 forpredetermining an initial stress between the stock and the barrel inwhich a stress or force adjustment must be made.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a meansand method for imposing a predetermined stress between adjacent memberswhereby the forearm of a rifle stock may be stressed relative to therille barrel precisely regardless of various changes in the rifle stockrelative to the barrel.

Another object of the invention is to provide a means which may beadjusted precisely to indicate an initial stress imposed between a riflestock forearm and a barrel whereby further adjustments may be madeincrementally to attain an accurate shooting condition of the rie andwhereby this accurate shooting condition may be duplicated at any futuretime regardless of changes which may occur in the rifle stock during theinterim.

Another object of the invention is to provide a means for indicatingprecisely a preliminary stressed condition or position of the riflestock forearm relative to an adjacent barrel whereby an index isprovided for a further precision adjustment of the stress conditionbetween the rie stock forearm and the barrel.

Another object of the invention is to provide means for adjusting thestress or force between a ride stock and barrel wherein a screw threadedadjusting means is disposed to deflect a spring which imposes stress orforce between the forearm of the rifle stock and the barrel until thespring is deected to a predetermined degree which indicates apredetermined stress or degree whereupon the screw threaded means maythen be further adjusted in precise increments to a'given stressedrelationship between the stock forearm and the barrel.

A further object of the invention is to provide a means for adjustingthe stressed relationship of a rifle stock and barrel wherein eithervisual or audible means is provided to indicate an index position orstressed relation between said forearm and barrel.

Another object of the invention is to provide a means, for establishinga predetermined stress or force between the forearm of the rifle stockand a rifle barrel, which is very compact and which neatly tits into theforearm of a conventional rie stock below the barrel and withoutalteration to the external contours or shape of the riile stock forearm.

Another object of the invention is to provide a means to impose apredetermined stress or force between a rie stock forearm and barrelwhich is adjustable laterally and vertically and which maybe locked insuch position precisely to maintain an adjusted relationship between theriile stock forearm and the rifle barrel.

A further object of the invention is to provide a method for imposing -apredetermined stress or force between adjacent members whereby aninitial stress or index force may be imposed between two members bydeflection of a resilient means which precisely indicates such indexstress or force whereupon further incremental adjustments may be made tofurther stress the adjacent members relative to each other, therebypermitting precise stressing of the adjacent members relative to eachother even though their spaced relationship or relative position to eachother may change from time to time.

Further objects and advantages of the invention may be apparent from thefollowing specification, appended claims and accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view longitudinally of arifle fore end structure and showing means according to the presentinvention in section and disposed to exert or maintain a predeterminedstressed relationship between the cantilever elements of the rie barreland the rifle stock.

FIG. 2 is a transverse sectional view taken from the line 2-2 of FIG. l.

FIG. 3 is a top or plan view of the upper or movable member of the meansshown in FIG. 1 of the drawings.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary sectional View taken from the line 4-4 of FIG. lof the drawings.

FIG. 5 is a top or plan view of the lower or stationary member of themeans shown in FIG. l of the drawings.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional View of a rie fore endstructure showing a modification of the present invention therein andshowing parts and portions of the means in section and elevations toamplify the illustration.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary View taken from the line 7-7 of FIG. 6 showingthe adjustment dial of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a transverse sectional view taken from the line 8-8 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view of a riile stockyforearm in adjacent relationship with a rifle barrel and showing alongitudinal sectional view of a further modified means according to thepreset invention.

FIG. 10 is a transverse sectional view taken from the line 10-10 of FIG.9.

FIG. l1 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view of a rifle stockforearm and a barrel adjacent thereto and showing a longitudinalsectional view of a further modiiied means of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a transverse sectional view taken from the line 12-12 of FIG.ll.

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary sectional View taken from the line 13-13 ofFIG. ll; and

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary sectional view taken from the line 14-14 ofFIG. 6.

As shown in FIG. l of the drawings the present invention is installed tocooperate with a rifle barrel 20 and a rifle stock forearm 22 which aresupported in cantilever fashion from a conventional action which may beof any configuration or structure, however, the present invention mostcommonly applies to conventional bolt action rifles.

The rifle barrel 20 is normally bedded in a groove portion 24 of thestock forearm and the means of the present invention is located in arecess 26 within the rie forearm 22 directly below the barrel 20. Themeans of the present invention is referred to herein as a bedding deviceand this bedding device is provided with a base plate 28 which rests ina bottom 30 of the recess 26 in the stock forearm. Projecting throughopenings in the base plate 28 are wood screws 32 and 34 which extendinto the wood of the stock forearm 22 and secure said base plate 28 inthe bottom 30 of the recess 26.

Supported on the upper side of the base plate 28 is an adjustable plate36 having upwardly projecting spaced fingers 38 and 40 which engage thebarrel 20 as shown best in FIG. 2 of the drawings. These lingers 38 and40 are disposed in spaced relationship to each other so that they form acradle for the barrel 20 and support it precisely with relation to theforearm 22. The normally rear end of the adjustable plate 36 is providedwith a conical opening 42 which is engaged by a conical pin 44 securedto the base plate and extending upwardly therefrom. The adjustable plate36 is thus pivotally mounted with respect to the base plate 28. Aclamping screw 46 extends through the base plate 28 and the adjustableplate 36 and is screw threaded in the clamping nut 48 which rests on theupper Side of the adjustable plate 36. The screw 46 is provided with anenlarged head 50 disposed in a bushing 52 which is substantially flushwith the lower surface 54 of the stock forearm. The bushing 52 isstationary and provides a clamping support for the head 50 of the screw46 so that this screw may be tightened screw threadably with relation tothe nut 48 in order to clamp the adjustable plate 36 securely instationary position against the base plate when the ad- 4 justable platehas become aligned with the barrel in its normal lateral positionrelative to the stock.

As shown in FIG. 4 of the drawings the adjustable plate 36 is providedwith a laterally elongated opening 56 which permits lateral movement ofthe adjustable plate 36 with relation to the clamping screw 46 therebypermitting lateral movement of the fingers 38 and 40 with respect to theforearm 22 of the rifle stock.

The forward end of the base plate is provided with an opening 58 inwhich an adjustment nut 60 is rotatably mounted. This adjustment nut isprovided with a notched detent flange 62 on its normally upper end. Thisange 62 is enlarged and provides an axial abutment for the nut 60 at theupper side of the base plate 28. A snap ring 64 is disposed in anexternal groove in the nut 60 adjacent the lower side of the plate 2.8thereby fixing the nut 60 longitudinally of its axis relative to theplate 22 so that the nut 60 may rotate but is retained axially withrespect to the plate 28. The nut 60 is provided with an internally screwthreaded bore in which an externally screw threaded adjustment screw 66is threadably engaged. This screw at its normally upper end is fixed toa platform plate 68 which engages the lower side of the adjustable plate36 below the fingers 38 and 40. The platform plate is provided with alinger portion 69 which extends downwardly through an opening 70 in thebase plate 28. This iinger 69 in the opennig 70 prevents rotation of theplatform member 68 when the internally screw threaded nut 6i) is rotatedto screw threadably project and adjust the screw 66 axially thereof andthereby adjust the adjustable plate 36 relative to the base plate 28. Itwill be noted that the adjustable plate 36 is a resilient plate which iscapable of being deflected upwardly when the screw 66 and platform 68are projected upwardly from the base plate 28 by rotational adjustmentof the nut 66.

A screw 72 is threaded into the base plate 28 and iixes one end 74 of adetent spring 76 to the base plate 28. A pin 78 engages the detentspring 76 thereby supporting the spring so that a curved detent portion80 at one end thereof is maintained iirmly in engagement with any one ofseveral detent notches 82 in the periphery of the ange 62 which isintegral with the nut 60. The detent spring 76 in engagement with anyone of the detent recesses 82 operates to maintain the nut 60 inprecisely adjusted position and provides for incremental clickadjustment of the nut 60 in order precisely to project the screw 66 andplatform 68 axially of the nut 60 and relative to the plate 28.

Fixed to the upper side of the adjustable plate 36 by means of a screw84 is a spring 86 which extends between the lingers 38 and 40 and thisspring is provided with an extending end 88 which engages the lowersurface of the rifle barrel 20. The spring 86 is utilized to impose `apreliminary or index stress between the rifle stock forearm 22 and the'barrel 20 and this spring when deflected to a certain degree providesan audible signal to indicate a preliminary or index stress between .theriiie stock forearm and the barrel so that further incrementaladjustments of such stress may be made by adjustment of the screw 60 aswill be hereinafter described. The `audible signal which is provided bythe spring 86 at a given deection thereof is caused by la dimpledportion 90 of the spring which has a reversible snap action when thespring 86 is deiiected. This dimple 90 is substantially circular and isquite shallow. As shown by dash lines A the spring when deflected towardthe plane of the adjustable plate 36 causes a reversal of the dimple 90so that it presents a convex surface at the side which is normallyconcave. When the spring 86 is thus deiiected and the concavity of thedimple '90 reverses itself it provides a deiinite audible snapping soundand thus precisely indicates a predetermined deilection or index stressof the spring 86 and a corresponding stress or pressure between theforearm 22 of the riiie stock and the barrel 20.

In operation the `bedding device of the present invention compensatesfor changes in the position of the stock forearm 42 relative to thebarrel 20.

Itis known that some stock woods warp or change due to continuedseasoning of the wood long after the stock has been installed inconnection with the rifle action and barrel. Sometimes the forearm maywarp laterally or it may warp vertically. In some instances there isacombination of vertical and lateral warpage of the stock forearmrelative to the barrel. This condition may occur over a period of timeand causes considerable difficulty in the maintenance of accuracy of arifle on which the stock forearm engages the barrel. As shown in FIG. 2of the drawings the groove 23 in the forearm has slight clearancerelative to the barrel so that changes in the stock forearm will notcause it to engage the barrel 20 whereby the ngers 3S and 40 are theonly supports for the riile stock forearm relative to the barrel. Whenthe position ofthe stock forearm 22 changes laterally or vertically withrespect to the barrel the bedding device of the invention may beadjusted precisely to engage the 'fingers 38 and 40 with the barrel andthereby compensate for such changes of the stock forearm. Equilibrium ofthe barrel and forearm is thus established on one plane laterally of thebarrel axis.

Initial adjustment of the bedding device of the present device isaccomplished as follows. The screw 46 and clamping nut 448 are set in aloose condition so that the adjustable plate 36 is freely pivotal on theconical pin 44 thereby permitting the adjustable plate 36 to movelaterally of the plate 28 with absolute freedom. The nut 60 is thenrotated in a direction to project the screw 66 and elevate the platform68 together with the adjustable plate 36 so that the spring 86 isdeflected beyond a snapping stress of the dimple 90 thereby firmlyengaging the fingers 38 and 40 with the barrel to accomplish a properand precise cradling condition of the barrel 20 between the fingers 38and 40. This causes lateral pivotal movement of the adjustable plate 36into alignment with the barrel whereupon subsequent tightening of thescrew 46 clamps the adjustable plate 36 precisely with respect to thelateral disposition of the barrel 20 in the forearm 22. Then the plate36 is clamped securely to the base plate 28 and the lateral adjustmentis thus fixed. This relieves all lateral stresses between the forearmand the rifle barrel. The nut 60 is then screw threadably adjusted inthe opposite direction so that the platform 68 is retracted toward thebase plate 28 permitting relaxation of the spring 86 so that the dimple90 again reverses itself to the solid line position as shown in FIG. 1of the drawings. The nut 60 is then adjusted to project the screw 66 andplatform 68 toward the barrel 20. This adjustment is done incrementallyaccording to the clicking action of the end 80 of the detent spring '76in the detent notches 82 in the ange 62 of the nut 60. When the nut hasbeen adjusted sufficiently to deflect the spring 86 the dimple 90 snapsinto reverse or dash line position A providing an audible signal whichindicates a predetermined stress or force between the forearm 22 and thebarrel 20. This predetermined stress or force is imposed by the end y88of the spring 86 and thereby indicates a preliminary or index adjustmentof the forearm 22 relative to the barrel 20. The rifleman may thenincrease the adjustment of the forearm tension by incrementallyadjusting the nut 60 in the same direction to further move the platform68 toward the barrel 20 and cause additional stress or force to beapplied to the barrel 20 by engagement of the fingers 38 and 40therewith. The rifleman may then shoot successive groups at a targetwhereupon dispersion of each successive group may be studied. With eachsuccessive group incremental adjustments of the nut 160 may be made toprovide additional forearm tension or force relative to the barrel 20until an optimum accuracy condition is attained whereupon the riemanwill note the number of adjustment clicks made following the snap actionof the `dimple 90. The number of .clicks madeafter the audible signalprovided by the snap action of the dimple 90 are counted and theseclicks as hereinbefore described are precise clicks occasioned byincremental adjustment of the nut which causes the detent recesses 82 tobe successively engaged by the curved detent portion 861 of the spring76.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that initialdeflection of the spring 86 to a predetermined distance or stress, whichcauses snap action of the dimple, will always be the same regardless ofthe `spaced relationship of the forearm 22 relative to the barrel 20.Additionally a given number of clicks indicate a certain preciseadjustment of the nut 60 and attendant additional forearm tensionapplied relative to the barrel 28. Thus, the riileman after once havingadjusted forearm tension to reach an optimum shooting condition with agiven load subsequently may precisely adjust the forearm tension to theoptimum condition to match the desired load even though a considerableinterim change may have occurred in the relative position or normalstress of the forearm 22 relative to the barrel Ztl. It is quite usualthat a hunting rifle or target rifle may be utilized with a given loadduring one season and may not be used with the same load again forseveral months. During the interim the stock forearm may change, ashereinbefore pointed out, and it will be appreciated by those skilled inthe art that the bedding device of the present invention will permit theriileman to attain the identical vertically stressed relationshipbetween the forearm 22 and the barrel 20 as was previously found to beoptimum.

It will be further appreciated that the lateral adjustability of theadjustable plate 36 readily compensates for any lateral Warpage orchange of the stock 22 relative to the barrel 26 so that only verticaltension or stress is applied between the stock forearm 22 and thebarrel. Further, when the lateralalignment of the fingers 38 and 4d isestablished to cradle the barrel 20 the adjustable plate 36 is fixedlaterally relative to the plate 28 and forearm 22 by means of the clampscrews 46 and nut 48.

It will be apparent that the bedding device of the present inventionwhich is specifically disclosed in connection with rie stock forearmsand rie barrels may be used for other purposes and mainly for thepurpose of imposing a predetermined stress between adjacent members thespaced or stressed relation of which may vary from time to time.

Accordingly, the device of the present invention is also utilized inconnection with a method of the invention which covers the operation ofimposing a predetermined stress between adjacent members. The methodcomprises the following steps.

First, lateral equilibrium is established in one plane between theadjacent members, as for example, a rifle barrel and forearm. As anexample, this lateral equilibrium is established by lateral adjustmentof the cradle fingers 38 and 40, yshown in FIG. 1 of the drawings, andsubsequent xing of the screw 46. Then a deilectable spring is stressedbetween two adjacent members until the spring deflects to a preciseindex position on a predetermined amount and exerts a correspondingindex stress between the adjacent members whereupon additional stress isapplied incrementally between the adjacent members until an optimumvibratory performance or stress of one of the members is attained.

As shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 of the drawings the invention comprises amodification wherein a base plate 92 is secured in the recess 26 o-f thestock forearm 22 by a screw 94.

An adjustable plate 96 is slidably adjustable laterally of the plate 92and may be xed lrelative thereto by a clamping screw 98 and a clamp nut100 screw threadably engaged therewith. One end of the adjustable plate96 is bifurcated and the bifurcated portions 102 straddle the clampscrew 98. These bifurcated portions 102 are hook shaped and engage ahook shaped portion 104 of the base plate 92. This engagement permitslateral adjdstment of the adjustable plate 96 relative to the base plate92 but provides for the location of the adjustable plate 96longitudinally of the base plate 92. As shown in FIG. 14 the bifurcatedportions 102 of the adjustable plate 96 are sufficiently spaced topermit lateral adjustment of the plate 96 relative to the clamp screw98.

Pivoted -to the forward end of the adjustable plate 96 by means of a pin106 is a barrel band 188 which surrounds the barrel 20.

Screw threaded in the base plate 92 below the pin 106 is `an adjustingscrew 110 having a spring loaded plunger 112 therein. The spring loadedplunger 112 is mounted in a bore 114 of the screw 10 and the plunger isprovided with an enlarged head at its normally upper end which abuts theend of the screw 110 outwardly of the bore 114. The plunger is providedwith a reduced diameter shank 116 which is surrounded by a spring 118which tends to project the head of the plunger into engagement with theadjustable plate 96. The shank 116 of the plunger 112 is provided with afiat end 120 which is liush with the normally lower end of the screw 110when the enlarged head of the plunger is engaged with the normally upperend of the screw 110. This arrangement of the plunger 112 and the spring11-8 provides a means by which a preliminary or index stress may beobserved visually or by touch rather than audibly as hereinbeforedescribed. In operation the screw 110 is initially adjusted away fromthe movable plate 96 by a Spanner wrench which is engaged in openings122 in the outer end of the screw 110. The clamp screw 98 is loosened topermit lateral alignment of the barrel and the adjustable plate 96relative to the base plate 92. The clamp screw 98 may then be tightenedto fix the adjustable plate 96 laterally relative to the base plate 92.The screw 116 may then be screwed threadably adjusted inwardly towardthe adjustable plate 96 whereby the spring 118 is stressed under acompression load which is imposed between the forearm 22 and the barrel20. When the end 120l of the plunger 112 becomes flush with the normallylower end of the screw 110 a predetermined force or index stress existsin the spring 118 and between the forearm 22 and the barrel 20. Furtherincremental adjustment of the screw 110 may be made to arrive at adesired tension or stress of the forelarm 22 relative to the barrel in asimilar fashion as hereinbefore described in connection with thestructure disclosed in FIGS. 1 to 4 of the drawings.

In the structure shown in FIGS. 6 and 8 of the drawings the additionalincremental adjustments are made according to calibrations 124 on abushing 126 surrounding the screw 10. Thus, the spring 118 whendeflected D sufnciently to permit the end 120 of the plunger to becomeush with the end of the Screw 110 provides for an initial index stressbetween the forearm 22 and the barrel so that further incrementaladjustments may be made to reach an optimum forearm tension relative tothe barrel.

In the modification as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 of the drawings thebedding device of the invention is provided with a box shaped frame 125which is disposed in the recess 26 of the forearm 22. This box shapedframe is provided with a rectangular recess 126 having a bedding block128 movably mounted therein. The bedding block 128 is provided withupwardly diverging fingers 130 and 134 which serve as a cradle in asimilar fashion to the fingers 38 and 40 hereinbefore described.

At its forward end, the block 128 is provided with a vertical slot 136into which a screw 138 projects to retain the block 128 in the frame12'5. 'Ihe slot 136 is of considerably greater length and breadth thanthe diameter of the screw 138 permitting vertical and lateral freedom ofthe block 128 in the recess of the frame 125. The frame 125 is securedto the forearm 22 by screws 140 and 142 which project through a bottomplate 144.

Screw threaded in the bottom of the frame is a stress adjusting screw146 which is similar in construction to the adjusting screw shown inFIG. 6 of the drawings. A plunger 112 similar to that shown in FIG. 6 ofthe drawings is actuated by the screw 146 and this plunger 112 isprovided with a spring similar to the spring 118 shown in FIG. 6 of thedrawings. The upper end of the plunger 112 as shown in FIG. 9 of thedrawings is fiat to conform with a fiat surface 148 at the lower side ofthe block 128. The plunger 112 shown in FIG. 9 of the drawings isprovided with a finger 150 which extends through an opening 152 in thebottom of the frame 125. The finger 150 is similar to the finger 69disclosed in FIG. l of the drawings and prevents rotation of the plunger112 when the screw 146 is rotated in a screw threaded relationship withthe lower portion of the frame 125.

A plunger 154 is slidably mounted in the rear end of the frame `andengages the rear end of the block 128 to clamp it into fixed position inthe recess 126 of the frame 125 as will be hereinafter described. Theouter end of the plunger 154 is engaged by a lever 156 pivoted in theframe 125 on a pin 158. The lever 156 is engaged by a clamp screw 160which is screw threaded in the frame 125. When the screw 160 istightened it pivots the lever on the pin 158 thereby projecting theplunger 154 into firm engagement with the rear end of the block 128 forclamping the block 128 securely against the inner front side of therecess 126 in the frame 125.

In operation the modified structure as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 operatessubstantially as follows. The clamp screw 160 is loosened to permitlateral freedom of the block 128 so that the fingers 130 and 134 mayfreely align themselves to cradle the barrel 20 without lateral stressrelative to the stock forearm 22. The screw 146 may -be adjusted in asimilar manner to the hereinbefore described screw 110 until the spring118 is stressed suiciently to provide an index stress or force betweenthe forearm 22 and the barrel 20. This being indicated by the end 120 ofthe plunger 112 becoming flush with the end of the screw 146. Duringrotational adjustment of the lscrew 146 the plunger 112 is preventedfrom turning by the finger projecting through the opening 152. When theindex stress of the spring 118 is indicated by the flush relationship orposition of the end 120 of the plunger 112 with respect to the end ofthe screw 146, further incremental adjustments of the screw 146 may bemade to impose a desired stress between the forearm 22 and the barrel 20`and the incremental adjustments may be made in accordance withcalibrations 124 as shown in FIG. 7 which are applied to the bottom ofthe plate 144 shown in FIG. 9 of the drawings. When the desired stressrelationship has been established the clamp screw is tightened therebyaxially moving the plunger 154 by means of the lever 156 whereupon theplunger 154 jams the block 128 yagainst the forward wall of the recess126 thereby fixing it precisely with respect to the box shaped frame125.

It will be seen that the modified structure, disclosed in FIGS. 9 and 10of the drawings, operates basically to provide for lateral alignment ofthe cradle fingers 130 and 134 with the barrel to acccommodate anylateral discrepancy between the forearm and the barrel 20. Whereupon aninitial or index stress is set up by the spring 118 and indicated by aposition of the end 120 of the plunger 112; and thereafter furtherincremental adjustments of forearm tension may be made to an optimumcondition which corresponds with the most accurate condition of arespective rifle for a given load as hereinbefore described inconnection with the operation of the structure disclosed in FIGS. 1 to 5of the drawings.

In the modified structure as shown in FIG. 1l, l2 and 13 of thedrawings, the bedding device includes a base plate 162 fixed by means ofscrews 164 and 166 in the recess 26 of the forearm 22. Pivotallyconnected to the base plate 162 by means of a pin 168 is an adjustableplate 170. A clampp screw 172 and screw threaded nut 174 are disposed toclamp the adjustable plate 170 to the base plate 162 and ix lateralpivotal adjustment of plate 170 about a pin 168.

The forward end of the adjustable plate 140 is provided with a pivotedcradle member 176. This cradle member is pivotally connected to theadjustable plate 170 by means of a normally horizontal pin 178. Thecradle member 176 is provided with a pair of upwardly projecting spacedlinger portions 180 and 182 in which the barrel 20 is cradled. Thecradle member 176 is provided with a forwardly projecting portion 184having a curved surface 186 at its lower side which is engaged by aplunger 112. similar to that shown in FIG. 6 of the drawings. A stressadjusting screw 110 similar to that disclosed in FIG. 6 of the drawingsis also utilized and is screw threaded in the base plate 162. Theplunger 112 and screw 110 shown in FIG. 1l operate in the same fashionas that shown in FIG. 6 of the drawings and a bushing 126 similar to thebushing 126 in FIG. 6 of the drawings operates to carry calibrationswhich are used to deter-mine incremental adjustments of the screw 110.

Lateral adjustment of the adjustable plate 170 with respect to the screw172 is permitted by an elongated slot 18S in the adjustable plate 170through which the screw 172 extends.

It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the snap spring 86,shown in FIG. 1 may be substituted for the visual indicator mechanismcomprising the screw 110, plunger 112. and spring 118.

It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the means and methodof the present invention has been disclosed specifically for use inconnection with the fore end structure of rie stocks and barrels but maybe used to impose a predetermined stress between other adjacent membersif desired and that various modifications of the present invention maybe resorted to in a manner limited only by a just interpretation of thefollowing claims.

We claim:

1. 'In a means for imposing force between a rifle stock forearm andbarrel the combination of: a rie stock forearm; a barrel adjacentthereto; a first member secured to said forearm; a second member movablymounted adjacent to said first member; screw threaded means supported bysaid first member and screw threadably adjustable to move said secondmember toward said barrel, said second member having a cradle portionengageable with said barrel, said second member movable laterally ofsaid barrel permitting alignment of said cradle therewith; means forfixing said second member in a position relative to said first memberafter said cradle portion is aligned laterally with said barrel andsecond means cooperable with and responsive to said screw threaded meansdisposed to indicate a predetermined force imposed by said second memberagainst said barrel by adjustment of said screw threaded means, saidsecond means comprising a dimpled snap action spring disposed to providean audible signal when deiiected by adjustment of said screw threadedmeans to force said cradle portion against said barrel.

2. In a means for imposing force between a rifle stock forearm andbarrel the Combination of: a rie stock forearm; a barrel adjacentthereto; a iirst member secured to said forearm; a second member movablymounted adjacent to said first member; screw threaded means supported bysaid lirst member and screw threadably adjustable to move said secondmember toward said barrel, said second member having a cradle portionengageable with said barrel, said second member movable laterally ofsaid barrel permitting alignment of said cradle therewith; means forfixing said second member in a position relative to said first memberafter said cradle portion is aligned laterally with said barrel andsecond means cooperable with and responsive to said screw threaded meansdisposed to indi- Cate a predetermined force imposed by said secondmember against said barrel by adjustment of said screw threaded means,said second means comprising a dimpled snap action spring disposed toprovide an audible signal when deflected by adjustment of said screwthreaded means to force said cradle portion against said barrel, saidsnap action spring secured to said second member and engageable withsaid barrel whereby adjustment of said second member toward said barrelby said screw threaded means causes deflection of said snap actionspring and causes the dimple thereof to snap into reverse positionthereby emitting a snapping sound.

3. In a means for imposing force between a rie stock forearm and barrelthe combination of: a rifle stock forearm; a barrel adjacent thereto; afirst member secured to said forearm; a second member movably mountedadjacent to said first member; screw threaded means supported by saidfirst member and screw threadably adjustable to move said second membertoward said barrel, said second member having a cradle portionengageable with said barrel, said second member movable laterally ofsaid barrel permitting alignment of said cradle therewith; means forfixing said second member in a position relative to said first memberafter said cradle portion is aligned laterally with said barrel andsecond means cooperable with and responsive to said screw threaded meansdisposed to indicate a predetermined force imposed by said second memberagainst said barrel by adjustment of saidV screw threaded means, saidsecond means comprising a dimpled snap action spring disposed to providean audible signal when deiiected by adjustment of said screw threadedmeans to force said cradle portion against said barrel, said snap actionspring secured to said second member and engageable with said barrelwhereby adjustment of said second member toward said barrel by saidscrew threaded means causes deflection of said snap action spring andcauses the `dimple thereof to snap into reverse position therebyemitting a snapping sound, said screw threaded means having a hollowcylindrical internally screw threaded member rotatably mounted in saidfirst member and a second externally screw threaded member screwthreadably cooperable with the internally screw `threaded member anddisposed to bear against said second member; and means connected withsaid externally screw threaded member disposed to prevent rotationthereof.

4. In a means for imposing force between a rifle stock yforearm andbarrel the combination of: a rifle stock fore-V arm; a barrel adjacentthereto; a first member secured to said forearm; a second member movablymounted adjacent to said first member; screw threaded means supported bysaid first member and screw threadably adjustable to move said secondmember toward said barrel, said second member having a cradle portionengageable with said barrel, said second member movable laterally ofsaid barrel permitting alignment of said cradle therewith; means forfixing said second member in a position relative to said first memberafter said cradle portion is aligned laterally with said barrel andsecond means cooperable with and responsive to said screw threaded meansdisposed to indicate a predetermined force imposed by said second memberagainst said barrel by adjustment of said screw threaded means, saidsecond means comprising a `dimpled snap action spring disposed toprovide an audible signal when deflected by adjustment of said screwthreaded means to force said cradle portion against said barrel, saidsnap action spring secured to said second member and engageable withsaid barrel whereby adjustment of said second member toward said barrelby said screw threaded means causes deection of said snap action springand causes the dimple thereof to snap into reverse position therebyemitting a snapping sound, said screw threaded means having a hollowcylindrical internally screw threaded member rotatably mounted in saidiirst member and a second externally screw threaded member screwthreadably cooperable with the internally screw threaded member anddisposed to bear against said second member; and means connected withsaid externally screw threaded member disposed to prevent rotationthereof, said hollow cylindrical screw 1 i threaded member having aflange provided with notches therein and a spring detent mounted on saidfirst member and engageable with said notches to provide for incrementalclick adjustments of said screw threaded means.

5. In a means for imposing a predetermined force between adjacentmembers the combination of: a riiie stock forearm; a barrel adjacentthereto; a first member fixed in said forearm; a second member movablymounted relative to said first member and engageable with said barrel; ahollow cylindrical member having external screw threads screw threadedin said first member and axially threadably adjustable toward and awayfrom said barrel; a plunger axially slidably mounted in said screwthreaded member; a spring tending to force said plunger toward saidbarrel relative to said screw threaded member, said plunger having aportion movable with relation to said screw threaded member whichindicates a predetermined deiiection of said spring and a correspondingpredetermined force which may be imposed by engagement of said plungerwith said second member.

6. In a means for imposing a predetermined force between adjacentmembers the combination of: a rie stock forearm; a barrel adjacentthereto; a first member fixed in said forearm; a second member movablymounted relative to said first member and engageable with said Ibarrel;a hollow cylindrical member having external screw threads screw threadedin said first member and axially threadably adjustable toward and awayfrom said barrel; a plunger axially slidably mounted in said screwthreaded member; a spring tending to force said plunger toward saidbarrel relative to said screw threaded member, said plunger having aportion movable with relation to said screw threaded member whichindicates a predetermined deflection of said spring and a correspondingpredetermined force which may be imposed by engagement of said plungerwith said second member, said first member being a box shaped structure,said second member movably mounted therein laterally and vertically,said second member engaged by said plunger and having diverging fingersforming a cradle engaged with said barrel.

7. In a means for imposing a predetermined force between adjacentmembers the combination of: a riiie stock forearm; a barrel adjacentthereto; a first member fixed in said forearm; a second member movablymounted relative to said first member and engageable with said barrel, ahollow cylindrical member having external screw threads screw threadedin said first member and axially threadably adjustable toward and awayfrom said barrel; a plunger axially slidably mounted in said screwthreaded member; a spring tending to force said plunger toward saidbarrel relative to said screw threaded member, said plunger having aportion movable with relation to said screw threaded member whichindicates a predetermined defiection of said spring and a correspondingpredetermined force which may be imposed by engagement of said plungerwith said second member, said first member being a box shaped structure,said second member movably mounted therein laterally and vertically,said second member engaged by said plunger and having diverging fingersforming a cradle engaged with said barrel; means for locking said secondmember in said first member comprising a screw threaded member in saidfirst member; a lever pivotally mounted on said first member andengageable with said screw threaded member and a plunger extendingthrough the box shaped structure of said first member and engaging saidlever at one end and disposed to exert force at its opposite end on saidsecond member to thereby jam it in the box'shaped structure of saidfirst member.

8. In a means for imposing a predetermined force between adjacentmembers the combination of: a barrel; a rie stock forearm; a firstmember supported therein; a second member laterally movable with respectto said first member; a cradle member pivotally mounted on said secondmember and having diverging fingers engageable with said barrel; andscrew threaded means screw threadably adjustable in said first memberand engageable with said cradle member for pivotally moving it relativeto said second member and toward said barrel.

9. In a means for imposing a predetermined force between adjacentmembers the combination of: a barrel; a rifle stock forearm; a firstmember supported therein; a second member laterally movable with respectto said first member; a cradle member pivotally mounted on said secondmember and having diverging fingers engageable with said barrel; andscrew threaded means screw threadably adjustable in said first memberand engageable with said cradle member for pivotally moving it relativeto said second member and toward said barrel, said second memberpivotally connected with said first member intermediate its ends andmeans disposed to fix said second member in stationary position relativeto said first member to maintain the lateral disposition of said cradleand barrel with relation to said forearm.

10. In a device of the class described the combination of first andsecond adjacent members; first means adjustable relative to saidmembers, said first means supported by one of said members; resilientmeans disposed to be defiected by said first means and to impose a forceon the other of said members; and indicator means cooperable with andresponsive to a predetermined deiiection of said resilient means anddisposed to indicate a predetermined force imposed on said other memberby said resilient means.

11. In a device of the class described the combination of first andsecond adjacent members; first means adjustable relative to saidmembers, said first means supported by one of said members; resilientmeans disposed to be defiected by said first means and to impose a forceon the other of said members; and indicator means cooperable with andresponsive to a predetermined force imposed on said other member by saidresilient means, said first means comprising screw-threaded membersdisposed to deflect said resilient means and to thereby impose a forcebetween said adjacent members.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS2,205,982 Klipsch June 25, 1940 2,497,861 Brown Feb. 21, 1950 2,589,912Weld Mar. 18, 1952 2,752,714 Landwehr July 3, 1956 2,841,909 Temple July8, 1958

